Removal of alternator on 06 4.4 (non-water cooled)

amc1957 · #1 11-04-2011, 07:01 AM

Has anyone done this? I had a go today but after removing the fan, alternator securing bolts, serpentine belt etc etc I just couldn't get it out, it was moving from side to side freely but felt like something was stopping it from coming forward???

Lots of threads on here regarding the earlier model V8's, diesels etc but not much on the N62 engine.

Would appreciate any info or tips.

Cheers

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X5only · #2 11-04-2011, 11:04 PM

Assuming you're laying with your back/head leaning against the driver side front wheel, grab the alternator with both hands and pull it out /wiggle it back and forth towards you. Yes, it can't come out towards radiator because it sits in kind of a groove from which you gotta pull it out from first. Be careful as you do this so that you don't damage the oil lines that are nearby. Also be carefull as you take the alternator out not to damager the radiator. Put something like a card board on the radiator to protect it.

Now putting it back can also be a pain. I'd advice to put some grease so that the alternator slides into the grove easily.

You'll succeed in pulling it out- it just takes a bit of time and effort. Be patient. I've done this twice on my 2005 X5 4.4 sports. The alternator is the same as yours.

By the way, have you run diagnostics software on the car? If so, which one? INPA and/or DIS by any chance?

Good luck!

amc1957 · #3 11-04-2011, 11:26 PM

Thx for that - are you saying to take it out from underneath the vehicle? I have been doing it from the top?

Regarding diagnostics I took it to BMW & $200 dollars later (1 hr) they told me it is the alternator & would be another $1600. I have purchased both a voltage regulator & an alternator from elsewhere @ less the half the BMW cost & I have replaced alternators on other vehicles so thought this one would go ok. Will have another go tomorrow.

Cheers

amc1957 · #4 11-04-2011, 11:54 PM

Also forgot to ask about the wiring connection - is that something you can only get at once you have got the alternator out of its position? I cant see any access to it when it is in situ.

Cheers

X5only · #5 11-05-2011, 01:20 AM

Good Lord, it has to be extremely difficult to attempt to remove it from the top given that it's hard enough from underneath the vehicle with all the leverage one has from that position. I didn't even have to lift the vehicle; there was sufficient space to tackle it from underneath (mine is factory height with 19" wheels).

Yep, I removed both the cables first before attempting to remove the alternator. I removed both the cables from underneath- it was fairly easy. Make sure the battery is disconnected! I think it's 10mm nut for the battery cable. The data/signal cable was relatively a little bit challenging but I managed to get it out by first unclipping it from underneath the vehicle (which for me didn't quite remove it from the clip), then from the top using a screw driver kinda pushed the connection out. Be careful as you do this so that the plastic doesn't break.

It takes patience. Good luck!

amc1957 · #6 11-05-2011, 05:00 AM

OK, went ahead and removed it as I had the new voltage regulator to try - took your advice and yes it is a bit easier from underneath, had to use a lever to free it from the bottom section but all good, once I got it forward the cables were easy to access.
Just as I got it out I got a call that the new alternator had arrived so picked it up and installed it - these things are very tight so like you say just need to be persistent and wobble it around a bit.
New alternator works fine - back up to 14 volts so no need to carry a jump starter around anymore.
Will fit the new voltage reg to old alternator and get it bench tested - hopefully then I will have a spare unit.
All up compared to the dealer quote I have saved around $800 so pleased with that.
Thx again for your tips & prompt response.

Cheers

sinausa · #7 10-24-2012, 11:27 AM

Hi, amc, it looks like I have the same car as yours 2006 X5 4.4i, what did you have to remove to gain access to the alternator from underneath? It looks like I can remove a few hoses, but the alternator sits directly above some metal frames which are hard to remove. Removing those hose only gives you room from the front of the alternator, not directly below, it's still hard to reach the alternator...Thanks much.

mrbmwx5 · #8 10-24-2012, 07:26 PM

BMW TIS - 12 31 020 Removing and installing or replacing alternator (N62)

sinausa · #9 10-26-2012, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrbmwx5

BMW TIS - 12 31 020 Removing and installing or replacing alternator (N62)

Thank you very much. This should be very helpful, will work on it this weekend.

sinausa · #10 10-28-2012, 05:21 PM

OK, I removed the screw holding the deflecting element, now both the bolts holding the alternator in place and the screw holding the deflecting element are out. Actually removing the deflecting element does give a little bit more room to wiggle the alternator, but it still won't come out. I feel like I am getting close, but I guess I should use a pry bar to work the alternator off some kind of mounting brackets? From which point and in what direction? Any help is welcome, I really don't want to do any damage after I've gone this far.

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